Overview
DAY 1 | Batalha – Alcobaça – Óbidos
First stop will be at Batalha for a private guided visit to the Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces protected as a World Heritage monument, built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
Proceed to Alcobaça and enjoy a private guided visit to the Alcobaça Monastery, Europe’s greatest Cistercian temple. Founded in 1153 to commemorate a victory against the Moors, it was finally completed in 1223. It is now Portugal’s largest church, and one of its outstanding architectural monuments. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its excellent state of preservation makes it the finest example of Cistercian architecture in Europe.
Drive continues towards the magnificent medieval walled town of Óbidos, the Wedding Present Town, Portugal’s most romantic medieval village. Lunch (not included) at a charming restaurant embraced by the castle walls, offering a unique and charming atmosphere. Their cuisine is based on typical Portuguese gastronomy, receives a careful selection of worldwide influences, all combined in a creative and refined fashion. During the afternoon enjoy leisure time to explore on your own with the expert guide assistance.
All of Óbidos has been declared a national monument. It is known as the “Wedding Present Town” because it was a gift King Dinis gave to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in 1282, but that alone is not what makes it such an extraordinarily romantic place – what make it one of Europe’s most romantic medieval villages are its incredibly picturesque cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses filled with geraniums and bougainvillea, Gothic doorways and windows, whitewashed churches, flowerpots and dazzling tiles all encircled by the walls of a 12th century castle.
- Tonight we suggest dinner with Fado performance at one of our preferred Fado House’s. Fado, Lisbon’s mournful song and the Portuguese most traditional music genre, is one of UNESCO’s World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
